I have never called it duty, but I love this quote by Bukowski, my favorite contemporary poet. My entire adult life has been consumed with a burning desire to create a world without hunger. That focus has led me to over 100 countries and more areas of conflict and devastation than I can count, and it has introduced me to an entire world of caring and compassionate people who live to make a difference in the lives of those most in need.

Now, as the flames are starting to burn a little less intensely I am gratified to see that the world has finally realized that ending hunger in our lifetime is a significant priority. I am gratified to see that the United Nations has set a measurable goal of ending hunger by 2030.

Whether I see a hunger-free world or not, the ashes of my life will forever hold the warmth of all those who have given themselves to this grand, glorious and world-changing vision. Thank you, one and all, for caring enough to help end hunger in our lifetime.

Today begins a new era of my life. I start writing yet another a new chapter in my life history.

I awoke this morning for the first time in 35 years not actively leading an organization in the fight to end hunger in our lifetime. Even though I have been moving in this direction for a couple years, it’s still a situation that is going to take some major getting used to.

So, I am starting off the new year and this new period of my life by heading into the mountains for a 24 hour retreat. A little time alone in the woods has always been good for what ails me, and I have too long neglected the practice of slipping away for a couple days of primitive camping on a regular basis. That changes starting today.

I will reflect on this in more detail in the days to follow, but for now it’s time to get going. I’m burning daylight as my father used to tell me..

May all of you have a most blessed 2016, and may each of you do more than ever this year to help create a world without hunger.

I pastored rural United Methodist Churches in Virginia for eight years before beginning what is now more than thirty-five years as a professional hunger fighter. Although I felt called to the pastorate, and I loved being a pastor, I always felt a deep sense of frustration at my inability to help my congregations move off dead center in regard to mission outreach.

All my congregations wanted to make a real difference in the world. All of them wanted to reach out in the name of Christ to be involved in significant mission projects. But none of those congregations were able to make the impact they truly desired. And I lacked the leadership skills necessary to help them.

I wish I knew then what I know now.

Those are the open words of the Preface of GETTING OFF OUR BUTS: Making Mission Happen, my new book that will be published this summer. The book is a biblical blueprint for getting congregations and other organizations totally engaged in mission work that can change the world.

There is no reason for any person, group or church not to be actively engaged in making a difference in our broken world. GETTING OFF OUR BUTS is a manual that guides congregations through every step of successful mission work.The book is a guide to help congregations take the necessary steps to become real leaders in reaching out to those most in need, both in their local communities and around the world.